Sentencing Council data confirms increase in penalties for Health and Safety Offences

It has now been three years since the coming into effect of the Sentencing Council guidelines on the sentencing of offenders convicted of Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety and Hygiene Offences. The guidelines came into effect in February 2016 and were introduced to address a lack of consistency and perceived leniency in the way that such offences were punished by the Courts – particularly where large businesses were convicted.

The Sentencing Council has now published it Impact Assessment of the guidelines. It reveals that the fines imposed on large businesses have increased substantially. It has also shown that there was an increase in fines for smaller businesses and individuals.

The data suggests that the new guidelines have succeeded in their aim. The next question is whether these higher fines will work in encouraging businesses and individuals to comply with health and safety legislation.